Real Engagement

West Virginia Engagement Session: Emma & Cassaundra

Emma and Cassaundra met at their local YMCA camp, where they worked as the Arts and Crafts Specialist and Head Counselor the same summer. During daily rotations through the arts and crafts station, a mutual and powerful crush developed. What had already become obvious to everyone around them soon turned into an intense romance, and the two fell completely, and madly, in love.

Early Morning Engagement Session at Fort Boreman, West Virginia

Emma and Cassaundra’s engagement session captured the natural beauty of the region and the inner beauty of the brides-to-be.

The Proposal

Cassaundra proposed nervously to Emma one cold February night. “I looked into her eyes and just got this urge to ask her to be by my side for eternity,” remembers Cassaundra. “With my heart pounding and my hands shaking, I asked her if she would stay with me forever, and after making me get down on one knee and say ‘Will you marry me?’, she said yes! It was a very intimate moment shared by just the two of us and I can honestly say, the absolute best moment of my life.”

In planning for their wedding, Emma and Cassaundra are most excited about writing their very personal vows to each other and sharing them in front of their closest friends and family. “Same-sex marriage has not always been a possibility in our state, but now our dreams of being with our family during our special day can become reality, and I absolutely cannot wait for that moment.”

Wedding Planning Challenges

The biggest obstacle facing the brides during their planning is concern over finances, a common struggle among many engaged couples. Going through the process of finding a venue and prioritizing what they need over what they want have been particularly challenging.

Advice for Other Engaged Couples

Asked what advice she would share with other newly engaged couples, Cassaundra responded, “The best advice I can give is to have fun and enjoy being an engaged couple. Some people rush into getting married and put all this extra stress on what is supposed to be a joyous and peaceful stage into your forever together. Take your time planning what you want for you wedding and enjoy every second of it”.

Advice for Same-Sex Couples Planning Weddings

Cassaundra has advice for other lesbian and gay couples as well: “Don’t get caught up in the world around you and let others’ disapproval ruin your happiness. There will ALWAYS be someone who wants to rain on your parade. Focus on those around you who support you; they are the ones who are your family and who you will remember being there for you through it all. Don’t forget: all you need is love”.